Scan Magazine | Holiday Profile of the Month | Denmark
Gammel Havn, Middelfart. Photo: Niels Martner
Holiday Profile of the Month, Denmark
Two sides of the same sea Exploring Denmark’s Lillebælt area makes for a holiday full of history, culture, and outdoor activities. The area, which is located partly on Funen and partly in Jutland, straddles the Lillebælt strait and is linked by the Lillebælt Bridge. Each side of the sea has its own identity and attractions, making for a holiday suitable for all weathers, ages and interests. By Signe Hansen | Photos: VisitLillebælt
Denmark is made up of islands. Most visitors know this, and maybe that is why many plan a trip in one specific region only. But that can be a shame, since in many places crossing a bridge means a better and more diverse holiday. This is very much the case when it comes to Middelfart (Funen) and Fredericia (Jutland). Connected by the Lillebælt Bridge (crossing the ‘Little Belt’ by car takes less than ten minutes), the area offers a wide variety of experiences and activities. On the Funen side, visitors will find a host of water-related outdoor activities, from 114 | Issue 96 | January 2017
diving to whale watching, while a captivating history and cultural life await visitors in Fredericia. “What is unique about the area around Lillebælt is that it is located right in the centre of Denmark and close to Billund Airport. As such, it’s the perfect base for visiting all of Denmark,” says tourist manager Anette Hellmund Werenskiold from the Middelfart department of VisitLillebælt.
Danish heritage and world culture Founded in 1650 as a defence against invading forces from the east, the town of
Fredericia is today surrounded by one of northern Europe’s best-preserved ramparts. The rampart circles the entire old town centre, which with its characteristically straight streets and historic monuments also bears witness to the town’s distinctive past. Today, the ramparts form a vast green sanctuary around the town. Thanks to a number of innovative local souls, Fredericia has in recent years also become increasingly known for its conferencing and culture facilities. “In the early years, the town had tax exemption and religious freedom, and that’s why we’ve always had a very diverse population with lots of different religions and cultures, and you can still sense that today,” says Heidi Hammer from the Fredericia department of VisitLillebælt. “We have now developed into a town with many cultural offerings, such as the Danish Academy of